ABA and 26 other food industry groups urged EPA and the USDA to consider a waiver, or partial waiver, from the renewable fuel standard (RFS) mandate. This would significantly reduce the harm bakers and consumers will feel because of the drought.

EPA will take public comments on whether to waive the RFS requirements for ethanol. Members of Congress, 26 senators and 156 members of the House, urged EPA earlier this month to "consider a fair and meaningful nationwide adjustment to the… [RFS]" in light of the drought. Four governors have also requested a waiver. Once EPA's notice is published in the Federal Register, ABA plans to provide comments.